People who work long days, are in school and studying, or have otherwise busy schedules often say that they have trouble finding the time to sit down to eat three well-balanced, healthy meals each day. This often results in poor meal choices being made as a result. There are also individuals who are under the impression that skipping meals isn’t necessarily a bad thing if it’s done as an attempt to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. However, by skipping meals, family physician, Dr. Ali Ghahary, says that you are actually putting yourself at risk of developing health problems.

The only time you should ever skip a meal is it’s recommended by your physician – for example, if you are going to be getting surgery or having blood work that requires you to fast.

A few years back, studies were done that took a look at what happened in individuals who skipped meals vs. those who didn’t. The biggest change found in individuals who skipped meals were significant changes in metabolism as well a delayed insulin response, which put them at risk of developing diabetes. By skipping meals, you’re also going to have a decrease in nutrients that your body requires for optimal health, such as vitamins and minerals, proteins, and essential fatty acids. Other studies have also shown that people who skip meals were more likely to snack on junk food and avoid physical activity.

In order to maintain good health, our bodies need food to survive. If you happen to work long hours and find that you simply don’t have the time to eat or cook after a grueling day at work, try preparing your meals in advance. Websites like SimpleMost and Pinterest offer a wide variety of quick (but healthy and delicious) meal-prep ideas such as chicken fajita bowls, salads, and even oatmeal. Many of these recipes can be frozen, which not only makes them easy to cook when you get home, but also easy to take on-the-go.

By eating three healthy meals per day, you are more likely to make a variety of meal choices and get the essential nutrients that you need to ensure your health is properly maintained. For more information on dieting and why healthy eating is so important, follow Dr. Ali Ghahary on Twitter at @DrAliGhahary.

​Mental Health has always been crucial in one’s overall health. It affects our ability to perform day-to-day activities, how we interact with others, as well as our thought process and emotions. Feeling sad or upset can occur as a result of many different factors – for example, the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, or even from watching a sad movie or TV show. These feelings are considered normal. However, they become abnormal when they persist or worsen and have a negative impact on your life.

To date, an est. 1 in every 5 Canadians suffer from mental illness, while an est. 1 in every 4 develop and require treatment for depression.

There are many different types of depression that an individual can be diagnosed with, the most common being Major Depressive Disorder. This type of depression is characterized by feelings of worthlessness, lack concentration, lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed, drastic changes in weight (loss or gain), disturbed sleep, fatigue, as well as thoughts of suicide. Typically, an individual will be diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder if they exhbit any of these symptoms for more than two weeks.

Bipolar Disorder is another common form of depression, though it alternates from feelings of sadness to unusual feelings of euphoria, also known as mania. Bipolar disorder can range from mild to severe and can also have a negative impact on your ability to live a normal life.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, is a type of depression that occurs in certain months, such as winter, and is characterized by symptoms similar to those of Major Depressive Disorder. Seasonal Affective Disorder is less likely to occur during spring or summer months.

New mothers can also develop Postpartum depression or the “baby blues.” Postpartum depression develops as a result of a shift in hormones due to pregnancy. Mothers with Postpartum depression may feel sad, will want to withdraw from their friends and family, and will also have difficulty bonding with their baby.

Dr. Ali Ghahary, a family physician from Vancouver, BC, encourages anyone experiencing some or all of the aforementioned symptoms above to seek immediate medical attention. By opening up about your mental health, you help to break barriers and reduce the stigma that surrounds it.

For more information on how to recognize the symptoms of mental illness, click here.

When he was just 18 years of age, Terry Fox was diagnosed with bone cancer, resulting in the amputation of his right leg. During his hospitalization, Terry was so overcome with emotion when learning of the suffering that so many of his fellow cancer patients faced that he decided he would run across Canada in effort to raise money for cancer research.

Commencing April 12th, 1980, Terry began his journey across Canada by dipping his prosthetic leg into the Atlantic Ocean. He would run 26 miles per day, 7 days per week, for 143 days. On September 1st, 1980, while just outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Terry began to develop chest pain. Shockingly, Terry’s cancer had not only returned, but it had also metastasized to his lungs.

On June 28th, 1981, Terry Fox lost his hard-fought battle with cancer. However, this was not the end of Terry Fox. In fact, it was just the beginning of his legacy, as it was Terry’s cross-Canada run – known as the Marathon of Hope – that would later spawn the inception of the Terry Fox Foundation and, subsequently, the Terry Fox Run – an annual run to commemorate and continue to honour Terry's wishes.

Thanks to the dedication of Canadians and individuals from all over the world, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over $750 million to date, and continues to make strides in cancer research. If you would like to support the Terry Fox Foundation, there are many ways in which you can get involved. Some of these ways include volunteering with and/or donating to the Terry Fox Foundation, participating in a local Terry Fox Run at your school or in your community, by joining ‘Terry’s Team’ as a cancer survivor, or by leaving your own legacy. By dedicating your time, you help support the fight against cancer as well as support the funding of life-saving cancer research.

For more information on cancer as well as resources and help on how to cope with a cancer diagnosis, visit Dr. Ali Ghahary's website at http://alighahary.ca or follow him on Twitter at @DrAliGhahary.

The endocrine system is responsible for the production and regulation of the body’s hormones. The hormones are responsible for different function of the body, including growth, metabolism, tissue function, as well as sexual function in males and females.

​Below you will find information from Vancouver physician, Dr. Ali Ghahary, on the some of the primary glands that are found in the endocrine system and each of their responsibilities, as well as some of the most common disorders associated with this system.

Pituitary Gland: This pea-sized gland is located close to the base of the brain in an area that is known as the sella turcica. The pituitary gland is crucial because it is responsible for regulating all other glands in the endocrine system.

Pineal Gland: This gland secretes a hormone that is known as melatonin, which is released into your body at night to help you sleep.

Thyroid Gland: The thyroid gland is responsible for the secretion of three different hormones: Thyroxine (T4), Tri-iodothyronine (T3), and Calcitonin. These types of hormones are responsible for influencing both physical and mental development, metabolism, and other functions. In cases where you have an over or under-active thyroid, medication will be required. You can find much more information on hypo and hyperthyroidism by visiting Dr. Ali Ghahary’s blog here.

Parathyroid Glands: Smaller glands of the endocrine system that are located in the neck and just behind the thyroid gland. These parathyroid glands are responsible for maintaining normal levels of calcium, as well as the metabolism of phosphorus.

Adrenal Glands: Located above each kidney, the adrenal glands consist of the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla. They are responsible for the secretion of a number of different hormones including cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, androgens, as well as dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine – which are vital for how your body responds to stress, your body’s metabolism, as well as controlling your blood pressure, just to name a few of the different functions.

One common disorder that is associated with the endocrine system is known as Acromegaly, a hormonal disorder that results in overproduction of GH in the pituitary gland. There are certain health complications that can occur as a result of acromegaly, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, as well as early death. Swelling of the body’s soft tissue, such as the hands or feet, is an early sign of this disorder. For example, if you notice a significant change in your ring or shoe size. You may also notice changes to your facial features, such as the jawbone as well as spacing between the teeth.

Addison’s disease is another disorder of the endocrine system, though it is rare. It is an autoimmune disease that can be caused by infection or cancer. Some of the symptoms of AD include weight loss, weakness, fatigue, anorexia, persistent fever and/or vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. In order to diagnose AD, a urine or blood test must be performed to check your body’s corticosteroid level. If that level is significantly low, you may have Addison’s disease.

The circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system, consists of the heart, blood, blood vessels, as well as the lymphatic system, and is responsible for blood circulation as well as the transportation of nutrients to and from the body to assist in fighting disease, temperature stabilization, and nourishment.

Below, Dr. Ali Ghahary, a family physician from Vancouver, takes a look at some of the most common disorders that are associated with the circulatory system, the signs and symptoms you should watch for, and how the disorders can be treated. It is important to note that, in addition to genetics, several of these disorders can also often be a result of one’s lifestyle, such as stress, obesity and lack of physical activity.

Anemia – Characterized by a deficiency in hemoglobin or red blood cells and and affects millions of individuals globally. ﻿Anemia﻿ can be caused by blood loss, a decrease in red blood cells, or the destruction of red blood cells. It can affect individuals of all ages – though those at a higher risk of developing anemia include women who are pregnant and individuals with Crohn’s disease. Having a diet that lacks iron can also lead to anemia. The most common symptom that is associated with anemia is fatigue. Treatment of anemia can be as simple as making small changes to your diet. In severe cases, you may need to take an iron supplement, which can be found at most pharmacies and sometimes even health food or vitamin stores.

Arrhythmia – A life-threatening condition due to abnormal electrical activity of the heart, causing irregular heartbeat. There are two classifications of this condition: Tachycardia and Bradycardia. Tachycardia occurs when the heart beats more than 100 beats per minute, which can deprive the brain and the body of oxygen. Bradycardia is when the heart beats abnormally; usually less than 60 beats per minute. Both types of arrhythmia come with similar symptoms including fatigue, fainting, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.

Arteriosclerosis – Also known as hardening of the arteries, which occurs over several years. It can be caused by a number of factors such as smoking, obesity, hypertension and diabetes. Symptoms of arteriosclerosis are not always present, but signs and symptoms that one should watch for include high blood pressure, impaired circulation, as well as kidney infections.

Atherosclerosis – Another condition that can result in hardening as well as narrowing of the arteries, which can lead to complete blockage and cause a condition known as coronary artery disease.

Cardiomyopathy – A condition of the heart muscle (myocardium) that leads to ventricular dysfunction. It is thought to be a condition that is genetic, and can be discovered on chest X-Ray’s and ECGs.

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) – Occurs when the heart is unable to pump a sufficient amount of blood to other organs in the body. CHF can be a result of other health conditions such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, as well as if you’ve had previous heart attacks. Symptoms of congestive heart failure include edema (also known as swelling) of the ankles and legs, in addition to shortness of breath.

Varicose Veins – A condition that causes veins to become enlarged and appear as if they are bulging. Varicose veins can be a result of pregnancy, standing for long periods of time, as well as aging. Tired/aching limbs is one of the most common symptoms associated with this condition – and, in some cases, the veins can rupture. To prevent varicose veins, it is recommended that you exercise as well as keep the legs elevated whenever possible. There are also cosmetic procedures that can be done to reduce the visibility of varicose veins.

For additional information on common disorders that are associated with the circulatory system, be sure to follow Dr. Ali Ghahary on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Sadly, there is also a very dark side that can come along with nutrition – one that often goes swept under the rug by those suffering due to the fear and stigma that is attached to it: Eating disorders.

An eating disorder is a psychological condition that is characterized by abnormal eating habits, such as binge eating or anorexia. Patients who suffer from eating disorders will typically preoccupy themselves with negative thoughts relating to food and body image, and will take extreme measures to look a certain way. Eating disorders also commonly co-occur with other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, just to name a few.

Anorexia, for example, is diagnosed when the patient weighs 15% less than the normal weight for their age and height. Hallmark signs of an individual who may be suffering from anorexia include limited food intake and extreme changes in appearance – i.e. looking abnormally thin, gaunt, and even pale. As individuals with anorexia have a fear of being obese or see themselves as obese, they will starve themselves by avoiding food. They may also exercise obsessively and will even use laxatives in effort to lose more weight. Over time, the body will go into starvation mode which can lead to other health problems such as anemia, dry or discoloured skin, brittle hair and nails, low blood pressure, drop in body temp, lethargy, constipation, as well as a cease in menstrual periods in women.

Bulimia is characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating that the patient will then try to compensate for by avoiding food, purging food, and with vigorous exercise. In comparison to anorexia, bulimic patients usually do not become drastically thin, making this an eating disorder that is much harder to hide from friends or family members. There are, however, certain signs and symptoms of bulimia that one can watch out for, including GERD, dental problems, sore throat, swollen salivary glands, and dehydration as a result of excessive vomiting. It can lead to fatal complications such as tears in the esophagus, gastric ruptures, and even cardiac problems.

Binge eating is another very common eating disorder. It occurs as a result of consuming large quantities of food in a small amount of time. However, unlike anorexia and bulimia, the patient does not try to purge food or attempt to lose weight. Instead, binge eating can lead to obesity, which can then lead to more serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Eating disorders are often a result of some kind of psychological disturbance, such as trauma, depression or anxiety. In order to treat the eating disorder it is also important for Dr. Ali Ghahary to also treat the mental illness aspect of it. This can be done with medication as well as referrals to counselling services. A dietitian will also be able to better guide patients in nutritional management as well provide nutritional counselling to help regain healthy eating habits.

More resources can be found by visiting the BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services website at bcmhsus.ca.

Coughing is the body’s natural way of clearing the breathing passages. Things like air pollution or simply swallowing the wrong way can trigger a cough. However, there are also certain health conditions – some concerning – that can also cause a chronic cough.

In this article, Dr. Ali Ghahary, a family doctor from Vancouver, British Columbia, writes about the most common health-related causes of chronic cough and what you can do about it.

Postnasal DripThe glands in the lining of your nose, throat and airways produce mucus – a thick, wet substance that keeps those areas moist and helps to trap and ultimately destroy invaders such as bacteria and viruses before turning into infection. When you’re sick or dealing with allergies, this mucus can be excessive and run down the back of your throat. This is known as postnasal drip, which can result in coughing fits. If the mucus is not clear, it can develop into an ear or sinus infection, so it is important to treat whatever the underlying condition may be. Certain over-the-counter medications like antihistamines, decongestants can help relief postnasal drip. Dr. Ali Ghahary will also sometimes prescribe patients prescription-strength nasal sprays to help with their symptoms.

Gastroesophageal Reflux DiseaseCommonly referred to as GERD, this is a condition in which stomach acid flows back up into the tubes that connect your throat and stomach. Patients with GERD will often complain of heartburn, regurgitation, coughing and wheezing as their main symptoms. In order to prevent GERD and its’ related symptoms, Dr. Ali Ghahary suggests avoiding spicy foods, as well as making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking. Medications known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) can help to relieve symptoms of GERD. There are many different PPIs to choose from, so it is all about finding one that is best suited for the patient.

AsthmaAsthma occurs when the airways become inflamed, thus triggering a cough and other symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath. Asthma can be the result of allergens such as pet dander, pollen, dust, mold, chemicals, and cigarette smoke, as well as viral infections. To treat asthma, Dr. Ali Ghahary will prescribe patients with inhaled medications such as Ventolin (Salbutamol), FloVent (Fluticasone), or Symbicort, just to name a few. These help open the airways and allow the patient to breathe better.

​The brain is one of the most important parts of our body. It is responsible for our thoughts and feelings, how we communicate, and our mobility. In this article, Dr. Ali Ghahary, a family physician, talks about the brain and signs/symptoms of a stroke.

The brain is composed of two different parts: the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere. The left hemisphere controls the right hand, reasoning, spoken language, written language, number skills, and scientific functions. The right hemisphere is responsible for control of the left hand, music, artistic and art awareness, creativity and insight. These hemispheres are also divided into six regions: the frontal region, temporal region, parietal region, occipital region, cerebellum, and the brain stem. These regions control everything from the ability to hear, our emotions, sensations of temperature and pain, memory, breathing and heart control, balance and vision.

​In order to function properly, the brain needs to be continually supplied with oxygen and nutrient-rich blood. When a stroke happens, however, the blood supply is cut off and the brain does not get the oxygen and nutrients it needs, thus causing the brain to be unable to function normally. There are many different reasons why someone might have a stroke, depending on the cause. For example, an Ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke, is caused when the arteries that provide blood to the brain become narrow or blocked – this can be due to blood clots. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when the brain’s arteries leak blood, which then results in pressure on the brain, ultimately causing severe damage. A hemorrhagic stroke can be caused by hypertension, as well as blood-thinner medications. Lastly, a transient ischemic attack (also known as a TIA). Similar to ischemic strokes, they can also be caused by blood clots, though the brain’s blood flow is only temporarily interrupted. A TIA attack can serve as a warning that you may be at risk for strokes in the future, and may also indicate that you may have a blood clot or blocked artery. Like all other types of strokes, a TIA attack is still considered to be a medical emergency.

​Strokes can occur without warning. The main symptoms that may be indicative that you’ve suffered a stroke include confusion, difficulty speaking, altered consciousness, headache, one-sided numbness of the arms, legs or face (this is usually one-sided.) Depending on how quickly a stroke is treated, patients can be left with long-term complications. These complications include depression, permanently altered speech, paralysis, and pain in the hands and/or feet.

In order to determine whether a stroke has occurred, Dr. Ali Ghahary will order several different diagnostic tests – some of the tests performed can include blood tests, medical imaging such as CT or MRI scans, ultrasounds, angiograms, and echocardiograms.

​Strokes can occur without warning. The main symptoms that may be indicative that you’ve suffered a stroke include confusion, difficulty speaking, altered consciousness, headache, one-sided numbness of the arms, legs or face (this is usually one-sided.) Depending on how quickly a stroke is treated, patients can be left with long-term complications. These complications include depression, permanently altered speech, paralysis, and pain in the hands and/or feet.

In order to determine whether a stroke has occurred, Dr. Ali Ghahary will order several different diagnostic tests – some of the tests performed can include blood tests, medical imaging such as CT or MRI scans, ultrasounds, angiograms, and echocardiograms.

​Treating a stroke is dependent on the type ad severity of the stroke. In certain cases, surgical procedures such as a carotid endarterectomy or angioplasty may be performed. A carotid endarterectomy involves an opening being made into the carotid artery and removing plague that is blocking it, and angioplasty involves a small balloon being inflated into the narrowed artery, then inserting a stent to prevent that artery from narrowing again. Both of these procedures can reduce the risk of future strokes. Individuals who have suffered a stroke will also require rehabilitation – including speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, all of which are referrals that Dr. Ali Ghahary is able to make for patients at Brentwood Medical Clinic.

In this article, Dr. Ali Ghahary, a family physician in Vancouver, shares insight on how to tell when your child is sick, including some of the most common health conditions that affect children in Canada today.

As adults, we are almost always in touch with our health and are able to tell when we are feeling under the weather. However, when children – especially newborns – are feeling under the weather, they are not always able to voice how they are feeling and thus cannot advocate for themselves or make any decisions relating to their health. Healthcare for children is much different than healthcare for adults. While adults are fully developed, children are not. They have a smaller body size and organs that are not yet fully matured. Diagnosing a child’s condition and ensuring that they receive the correct treatment is significantly influenced on their symptoms and age.

​Pediatricians are often responsible for the healthcare of your child. This includes all physical aspects of their health in addition to behavioural aspects, and making sure that the child meets all growth developments for their age.

​While pediatricians are considered to be general practitioners, their sole focus is on the child/adolescent demographic. From birth to approximately age 2, a child will see a pediatrician on many different occasions. After age 5, your child should see a pediatrician for annual checkups. Unfortunately, due to the shortage of pediatricians not just in Canada, but worldwide, general practitioners like Dr. Ali Ghahary will often take on the role of being the child’s primary care physician.

Below is a look at some of the most common health issues that Dr. Ali Ghahary will see in the younger patients he treats at Brentwood Medical Clinic.

FeverA fever by itself isn’t considered an illness. Instead, it is oftentimes the response to an illness, such as an infection. If your child is between 3 months and 6 months old and has a rectal temperature that is above 38 degrees Celcius, or if they exhibit other symptoms along with their fever such as a rash, irritability, lack of persistent vomiting and difficulty breathing, you should contact a doctor. If your child experiences a combination of a fever, stiff neck and sensitivity to light, they may have meningitis, which can be fatal.

ColdsThe common cold is common in children and is caused by a virus. Symptoms include nasal congestion or runny nose, fever, cough and lack of appetite, and can last as long as 1 to 2 weeks.

DehydrationIf your child has the flu, dehydration can occur. It can also happen as a result of being in an overly warm environment or if they are not eating properly. Some of the symptoms of dehydration in a child include dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, and decreased urination.

DiarrheaThis is something that is extremely common in infants and isn’t typically cause for concern unless they are having over 6 watery stools per day, or if there is blood present in their stools.VomitingThis is also something that is extremely common in children and infants. It is not typically cause for concern unless the vomiting is present with fever, is frequent, greenish in colour, or contains blood.

RashesRashes are most common in newborns. However, if they are accompanied by a fever, appear swollen, bleeding, ooze pus or appear infected, you should take your child to see a doctor.